Michigan Family Support Initiative
is a statewide initiative aimed at reuniting, preserving, strengthening, and maintaining families of individuals with developmental disabilities. In keeping with this mission, the MFSI will work to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan receive ample support and opportunities to exercise true choice and self-determination in their home communities. The Initiative is funded by a 5-year grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Grant #90DN0274).Why is the MFSI Needed?
Michigan is regarded as a leading provider of family-centered, community-based family support service options that enhance a family’s ability to care for and enable the growth and independence of family members with disabilities. However,there exists a discrepancy between families in need of support and those who are successfully accessing necessary programs and supports, especially among our most vulnerable children and adults with developmental disabilities – those living in private institutions and large congregate settings statewide.
How Does the MFSI Work?
The MFSI addresses this gap through the use of a statewide team of partner agencies and individuals who reach out to underserved families.
To do this, the MFSI state team is implementing the Detroit Family Support 360 Project model of navigation, training, and monitoring of family needs and desires for services.
Barriers that families in need face are addressed through intense individualized planning, local navigation training tailored to a family's needs, individual and family monitoring, technical support, and consistent evaluation of progress.
What are the MFSI's Objectives?
Specific objectives of the MFSI include the following:
- To establish a collaborative MFSI State Advisory Team to guide and monitor the progress of the project.
- To serve at least 50 families in Michigan per year.
- To provide information and referral to at least 100 families per year.
- To sustain the MFSI beyond the life of the current funding term through the work of MFSI staff and Advisory Team members.
- To evaluate the progress, effectiveness, and outcomes of the project.
For more information regarding MFSI, please see the project brochure, MFSI Fact Sheet, contact information, coming events, or more on who the MFSI serves.
If you or someone you know would like to be contacted by MFSI staff about opportunities for participation in the project, please complete and submit the MFSI Referral Form or visit and complete the online MFSI Referral Survey.